Simply-Scarlet on DeviantArthttps://www.deviantart.com/simply-scarlet/art/Untitled-428393189Simply-Scarlet

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Untitled

Published: Jan 21, 2014

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Description

Please Read.

I drew this back in the summer of 2013. I was reading about the treatment of gays and lesbians in Russia, the new laws imposed, the violence against protesters, and I just felt so helpless, so frustrated. I could sign all the online petitions I wanted, but I felt like I wasn't making a difference. I was angry and frustrated and wanted to do something. Something that could speak in some way, beyond a signature on another online form.

Art has always been a communication tool for me. I felt angry that I was just some college kid, I wasn't a politician or a politics student, someone who could physically be heard. In my small little town, there were no protests to attend, or Amnesty groups to join.

So I did what I knew how to do. I made art.

I do not want this to become a debate about whether or not Zangief of Street Fighter is gay. That's not what this piece is about. He is a character, an image that is recognized, of representing Russia. Even if you don't know Street Fighter, you probably have seen Gief somewhere, and you might know he's from Russia too. Gief, who wrestles bears wearing almost nothing in the snow, even someone as strong as him could be hurt too right now, in spite of the country he loves. And maybe for that reason, he could be a symbol of strength.

So maybe you don't think that Zangief is gay. Can't he be saddened at how his own country is treating it's people? Can't he empathize with the people of his country who are hurting?

I went to Germany, left my sketchbook behind because it wouldn't fit in my suitcase, and came home to and opened it up to find this. I had forgotten about drawing it over four months abroad. I figured now, was as good a time as any to post this. You can help me share it if you like, I would like very much for this piece to be seen. I would just ask per usual that I be credited.

Maybe everyone be safe at the Sochi 2014 Olympics.

Image size

2168x3072px 1.4 MB

Comments43

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Ryuji-Yazawa

Oct 24, 2015

I don't mean to sound rude, I am just giving you my opinion, you see, it's not impossible to find a way to leave the country if you don't like their laws, why else do you think many come to the U.S.?

My point is, you can't force people to like you. If we keep imposing in other countries to push for whatever reason you want, it would probably create slander for those that just simply disagree.